See the moment footy coach is busted on a hot mic hitting a reporter with an unprintable one-word slur after he was challenged about his team's shocking record

Crusaders coach Rob Penney has been busted calling a journalist a c**t after answering some tough questions ahead of his side's Super Ruby Pacific showdown with the Blues.

Under-fire Penney has presided over a shocking season so far, with the New Zealand-based team winning just two of their 12 matches and sitting third last on the ladder.

Things got worse for him on Wednesday when he answered some challenging questions about his side's poor run of form at a press conference.

Penney faced a grilling from 1News reporter Thomas Mead, who asked about his future as coach and the sort of feedback he has been getting from players.

'I get it [feedback] every minute of every day. They are personal conversations which I'm not prepared to share with you,' he said.

Asked if the players in side still support him, he added: 'I wouldn't be here if they didn't.'

After the media session, Penney was clearly frustrated with the line of questioning and he launched a tirade to Crusaders communications and media manager Jack Fletcher, unaware that his voice was still being picked up by his microphone.

'He's a disgrace, that c**t,' Penney said. 'Who's he?' 

Fletcher tried to de-escalate the situation and could be heard telling a fired-up Penney he would talk to him later about the matter - but Penney responded, 'No, talk to me now.'

The Crusaders’ shocking record this year means that they will almost certainly not make the playoffs.

Penney's winning percentage as a coach is very poor and there will undoubtedly be questions asked about his future with the side.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge has defended Penney, however, and said he will keep his job at the end of the season.

He has also called out the media for asking questions about the coach's future in the job, calling their enquiries 'childish'.